"When it rains it pours"

[nicholmere]

I never knew the origin of this phrase until recently.

Do you know who coined the phrase?
(I'll post the details later)

[emeleel]

This one I know! Morton Salt company.

Because even when it's rainy and humid, their salt still pours - it doesn't clump and stick because of some additive they put in it.

[nicholmere]

emeleel said

This one I know! Morton Salt company.

Because even when it's rainy and humid, their salt still pours - it doesn't clump and stick because of some additive they put in it.

That is correct.


From mortonsalt.com:
Yes. In 1911, Morton created freeflowing salt by adding magnesium carbonate as an absorbing element. Following that, Morton decided to run a series of ads in Good Housekeeping magazine promoting its new product. An ad was developed featuring the little girl carrying the round container and holding an umbrella during a rain shower. The original copy read, "Even in rainy weather, it flows freely." Everyone agreed on the ad's appeal, but thought the copy was too wordy. It was reworded and a new advertising slogan was born!


I had always thought the expression meant that sometimes when something has happened that all of a sudden it just keeps happening.

[emeleel]

That's certainly what it means now - and it fits! Just doesn't fit the original meaning.